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Reasons not to buy a Lightning?

22legit2quit

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Despite my issues with Ford if I could buy mine again at a lower price? Yes. Many times
Over . Anyone on here especially that would tell you to shy away is likely just a little chaffed by the fact that we were early. Otherwise it’s the best truck you can buy for 99.99% of people who need a truck (whether they actually do also). Read though some of the posts, of course it has little ticky tack issues and I’m sure you can find a clickbait video on YouTube that will show a spontaneously combusting lightning because of some heavily induced problem or lack of maintenance.

This is my opinion but I’d say with confidence that I’ve seen many on here express similar views:

If you think you need a truck, kind of need a truck or kind of think you need a truck don’t look much further. The incentives are nice, the maintenance is really non existent when you think about the recalls on ford ice vehicles of which I have. Near peers like gm and the CT scratch another itch. The CT is neat but Tesla hasn’t really proven itself when it comes to showing some of the truck specific modularity that ford has and continues to do. Despite looking at a modern art masterpiece, the fsd is far and away better, but they didn’t do it for me at that price but they’re growing on me as they’re becoming a little more realistic.

The GM products will surely have better range and likely better creature comforts at lower trim levels but you will pay for them in the price difference.

Again, as a truck to do truck things you can’t ask for better. If you’re one of the many ICE or die people who believes in having the potentiality of towing your Rv cross-country on a regular basis or the doom and gloom of the ‘gubment’ watching your every move covered then you’re likely not going to change your mind. But be real, do you think you’ll find a gas station out near your end of the world prep shack or a place to mount your solar panels?
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BigLeagueChoo

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@s10mods the only reason someone wouldn't buy/lease a Lightning is if they care about what other people think. IMO, I would lease over a buy at this point in time unless the finance is just too good to pass up.

Coming from a 3.5 EB F150 and a 6.2L Sierra, my Lightning runs laps around those trucks. Happy to answer any questions for you.

Once you feel the torque (which you appear used to) paired with a truck where the a** end wont kick out, its a treat to drive.
 

MachLightning

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I absolutely love my Lightning. My partner took over my Mach E GT when we bought the truck. She didn't think we would "need a truck" but now she's a believer. 😆

My only recommendation is don't buy new. I bought my '22 Platinum Lightning with 20K miles on it. Paid $39K for a truck that had a $95K MSRP.
 

rdt7

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I would add, difficulty of getting a Lightning fixed near where ever it decides to break down. It may be a long, long tow to a dealer with a well-trained tech and weeks of wait time. (Note: this has not yet happened to me in my 1 year and 10,000 miles of ownership but it has happened to others. Not often, I believe, based on reports on this Forum but it is something I think about. )

I'm on my 5th EV and will never own anything else. I love my Lightning. Unbelievably well-designed and built. Can't believe they cancelled it after such a big investment and growing fan base.
 

Joe Dablock

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Sorry to hear that you had problems with your MME. My 22 at 75k has been perfect.

I say find your Best Buy on a used Lightning. Most likely any bugs will have been worked out. My Lightning had one cabin heater glitch, but at 55k it has been great. But no matter how good the deal, don’t get a standard range. (I replaced a gas 3/4 ton truck and a minivan with the Lightning and it has exceeded my expectations.)
 

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ScottC

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Knowing (guessing) you’ve already watched a hundred videos on it, honestly the weakest link in our trucks seems to be the silly 12V battery. Why there’s so much reliance on a this tiny battery in a vehicle full of batteries is puzzling to me, but what do I know.

Otherwise as long as you’re good with everything else you know they’re unbelievably, well-made vehicles. I would argue possibly the best thing Ford has made. Ever.
ditto the above response. I had two failures of my 12 V battery in quick succession over a 10 day.period. Ford handled the issues well as far as towing and customer outreach. They wouldn’t replace the battery because it recharged but you know fool me three times then shame on me. So I bought a replacement battery and I drive around with a spare. So far so good. Beyond that I just crossed a year with my 24 flash I put 19,667 miles on it and I love it. I had three Teslas before it and I personally think the Lightning is the right amount of tech. I’ve got a couple 4runners and guess what? I also have a well-worn battery charger for those as well. You could buy a brand new ice and have a problem with the 12 V battery as well.

Bottom line - I love this truck. My co-workers love my truck. My wife loves my truck. My dogs love this truck.
 
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Nikos

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Knowing (guessing) you’ve already watched a hundred videos on it, honestly the weakest link in our trucks seems to be the silly 12V battery. Why there’s so much reliance on a this tiny battery in a vehicle full of batteries is puzzling to me, but what do I know.

Otherwise as long as you’re good with everything else you know they’re unbelievably, well-made vehicles. I would argue possibly the best thing Ford has made. Ever.
I agree, the best truck they have made up to this point. Four years into driving a vehicle without squeaks, rattles and maintenance free.
 

itdwebman

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No issues with my Truck and love it - only consideration is the size of the truck and ability to fit into a standard home garage. I personally would not buy an ICE 150 - but everyone has their own needs and likes and I respect that.
 

gbuydos

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I tow an 8x10 utility trailer around town. Sometimes a golf cart in it, sometimes just moving furniture, supplies, etc. Every time I hook it to the truck, the truck automatically drops my range to 129 miles.
 

DavidS

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In the summer, I can make it 100 miles north and 100 miles back on a mix of WI roads with 30% to spare, but in winter with or without a tow I think there would be a pucker factor involved. If you have somewhere to plug in overnight or bailout charging spots on the way home, you would be okay.
 

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pullinggs

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I'm the wrong person to ask about this as I have two of them in the driveway and can't imagine ever finding a better vehicle.
 

FloridaMan655321

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Personally if I were to buy one today and I didn't need 240v out, I'd buy a Rivian. Since I do need 240v, I would look at GM or Tesla today. I know the Cybertruck is an easy vehicle to make fun of, but Tesla does such a great job I think I'd end up getting one of those and wrap it in black.
 

RLXXI

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Only thing that would keep me from buying is if the truck did not have 9.6kW PPOB. That is a deal breaker for me so that's what I got.
 

broncoaz

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I dread my lease turn in date in December 2027. My residual value is $48K, so higher than I think the truck will be worth then. I’ll try to negotiate to keep this truck or go find another one that is under the 3/36K so I can still add extended warranty.
 
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rdt7

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ditto the above response. I had two failures of my 12 V battery in quick succession over a 10 day.period. Ford handled the issues well as far as towing and customer outreach. They wouldn’t replace the battery because it recharged but you know fool me three times then shame on me. So I bought a replacement battery and I drive around with a spare.
Where did you buy your battery? Ford dealership? Cost?
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